Michael L. Peloza

Michael L. Peloza

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired

Enon Valley, PA.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael L. Peloza, age 69, passed away at his home on July 7, 2023. He was a native of Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.  A graduate of Youngstown State University, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in December 1976.  He held a Master’s Degree in Management from Frostburg State University and was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Lieutenant Colonel Peloza’s troop assignments included duty as Rifle Platoon Leader, 2nd Infantry Division (1977-1978); Rifle Company Executive Officer and Support Platoon Leader, 9th Infantry Division (1978-80); Battalion Motor Officer and Company Commander, 3rd Infantry Division (1981-84); and G4 Supply and Services Officer and Battalion Executive Officer, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) (1990-92).

Other assignments included duty as Chief, Production Planning and Control Division, Letterkenny Army Depot (1984-86); Aide de Camp U.S. Army Depot System Command (1987-88); Director of Logistics, U.S. Army Field Station, Sinop, Turkey (1988-89); Chief, Army Readiness Advocate Branch, Defense Industrial Supply Center, (1992-95); and Commander, Kaiserslautern Industrial Center (1995-97).

Lieutenant Colonel Peloza was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4th OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), and Parachutist Badge.

Upon retirement, Mike owned and operated Black Cat Antiques.

He leaves behind his wife, the former Kathleen Gallagher of Lennox, South Dakota whom he married in 1982.

His father, Dick Peloza of Enon Valley, PA; brothers Vincent (Renee) Peloza of Poland, OH; Steven (Connie) of Beaver Falls, PA; sisters Doreen Peloza of Boardman OH; Denise Peloza of Vero Beach FL; and Diane Colwell (John) of Abilene TX; Nieces and nephews Lee, Trent, Ryan, Bradley, Allison, Matthew, Kristen, Heather, Brittany, Jessica, Nick, Megan, Mikala, Miranda, Josh, Levi, JJ, and Hayden. His beloved cat, George, was always right there by his side.

His mother, Ellen Peloza, who brought him into the world, passed away in July 2012.

Mike was a true and loyal servant in all ways. He found peace at his beautiful property which he so dearly loved. He spent time caring for the birds and all of nature’s little critters. 

Mike had a passion for antiques and cherished the many friendships that he established in his years of business. He valued his friendships with various people whom he met while in the military that he kept in touch with. 

A celebration of life service along with military honors will be held at the Terry Cunningham Funeral Home, 203 Oak Street in Bessemer, PA on August 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Mike desired his ashes to be laid to rest on his private property.

On behalf of his family, Mike will be forever in our hearts. 

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